found out

USAGE SUMMARY

"found out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that you have obtained information or knowledge. For example, "Mary found out that the store was closed on Sundays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You'd be found out!

The New Yorker

I found out later.

The New Yorker

"Well, we found out".

The New York Times - Arts

I found out myself".

The New York Times

They found out, finally.

The New Yorker

She found out soon enough.

The New York Times - Sports

Sam found out about me.

The New York Times

He found out soon enough.

The New York Times - Sports

"I have since found out".

The New York Times

Then he found out why.

The New Yorker

I just found out today.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger synonyms like "discovered" or "ascertained" in formal writing to add sophistication and precision to your language.

Common error

Avoid using "found out" simply as a synonym for "know". "Found out" implies a process of discovery, while "know" indicates a state of having information. For example, instead of saying "I found out the answer", say "I know the answer" if you already possess the information.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "found out" is as a phrasal verb, specifically the past tense and past participle of "find out". It functions as a verb within a clause, indicating the action of discovering or learning something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Found out" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe the act of discovering information. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is widely accepted and applicable in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to consider the level of formality required by your writing. For more formal settings, alternatives like "discovered" or "ascertained" might be more appropriate. Remember that "found out" implies a process of discovery, not simply possessing information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discovered

Implies a more active search or investigation leading to the information.

learned

A broader term for gaining knowledge, not necessarily through investigation.

realized

Highlights the moment of understanding or becoming aware of something.

ascertained

Indicates a more formal and definitive finding of information.

determined

Suggests a careful and conclusive establishment of a fact.

became aware

Emphasizes the process of gaining consciousness of a fact or situation.

uncovered

Suggests revealing something that was previously hidden or unknown.

came to know

A more descriptive way of saying 'learned', often implying a gradual process.

detected

Implies noticing something not easily apparent.

unearthed

Suggests discovering something after a significant effort, often something historical or deeply buried.

FAQs

How can I use "found out" in a sentence?

You can use "found out" to indicate the act of discovering information, such as "I "found out" that the meeting was canceled".

What can I say instead of "found out"?

Alternatives include "discovered", "learned", or "ascertained", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "found out" and "discovered"?

"Found out" is a more general term for learning something, while "discovered" often implies a more deliberate or investigative process.

Is it always appropriate to use "found out" in formal writing?

While "found out" is grammatically correct, it can sound informal. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "ascertained" or "determined".